Recommended by Steven G. Martin

I'm almost speechless. A stunning monologue.

Even folk tale characters grow up and evolve. Ava Love Hanna fills this short play with a lot of contemporary references -- including a few subtle, adult ones that are guaranteed to produce guffaws. Funny, thoughtful, and pleasantly upbeat.

Murdoch is entirely successful in creating two fractured characters who need someone to connect with, to be encouraged to be more than they currently are. Murdoch creates unusual circumstances that are comic at first, but ultimately lead to a heartwarming resolution.

This is a funny tantrum of a monologue. It's filled with pop culture references, the character knows she's smarter than everyone in her class -- and perhaps her school -- and there's just enough of an F.U. tone at its core.

This is a soothing play. It's reassuring to know that even with patterns and parameters serving as obstacles, there's genuine affection and love. Thank you, Chelsea Hickman.

The tone of this play shifts, and shifts hard. An audience won't even realize it's immersed in a horror until it's too late, and then comes the visceral, unnerving, palm-sweating, try-to-close-your-ears climax. But lest you think the resolution will let an audience off scot-free, nope. Hageman serves thought-provoking social satire and commentary to chew on and think about for a long while.

P.S.: Directors, stage this as Hageman suggests -- in the dark. It isn't a gimmick. It pays off beautifully, subtly, and gruesomely in the story.

Goldman-Sherman is such a skilled playwright that different audience members will feel different, valid emotions toward Marcia -- the protagonist in "Five Golden Rings" -- even when watching the same performance.

Marcia wants, wants, wants so much. She is so specific, and we recognize her because of that specificity. Do we feel sympathy for her? Do we deride her? Do we see ourselves in her? This is a gorgeously written short portrait.

"Five Golden Rings" would be a terrific addition to any holiday festival or festival about love.

Everything is better with math and science puns, and Portman's "Pythagorean Triplets" is proof. But the silliness isn't a "wink-wink" kind of silliness that ruins an illusion; the characters are questioning their value in the world and that's a beautiful core for this story. Audiences and actors alike will absolutely value this short play.

All praise Kate Danley for writing a romantic comedy that doesn't skimp on either! "Socks" is a romantic comedy with enough kookiness and sweetness to delight any crowd. Quick, light, breezy, screwball, sweet, and oh so refreshing. Produce this play.

This script is pure fun: sibling jealousy and a strong conflict/need at its core, distinct characters and precise dialogue added in to the mix, and an environment and actions that put it over the top. An audience will be surprised and delighted throughout.